Mitokusan Nageiredo: Visiting Japan's Most Dangerous National Treasure Built in a Sheer Cliff Cave

Mitokusan in Misasa Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture is a mountain long revered as a sacred shugendo training site. "Nageiredo" (Thrown-In Hall), known as its inner sanctuary, is a National Treasure building in a sheer cliff cave at approximately 520 meters elevation, known as "Japan's most dangerous National Treasure."

The Mystery and Legend of Nageiredo

Nageiredo was built during the Heian period (around the 12th century), and how it was constructed in this cliff cave remains a mystery today. According to legend, En no Ozuno (founder of shugendo) threw the hall into the cliff with magical power.

The Path to Pilgrimage: A Rigorous Mountain Trail

Pilgrimage to Nageiredo involves serious mountain climbing over rugged rocky terrain and tree-root paths. Entry registration (800 yen) is required in advance, and wearing straw sandals (waraji) is mandatory due to difficult sections requiring climbing chains. Entry is prohibited in rainy weather as it's so dangerous, but the difficulty makes reaching the destination all the more moving.

Mitokusan's Nature and Faith

The entire Mitokusan is developed as a shugendo sacred site, and pilgrims aim for the summit while visiting multiple halls including Monju-do, Jizo-do, and Kannon-do. The approach through primeval beech and cypress forests has a mysterious atmosphere.

Access

From JR Kurayoshi Station, 25 minutes by Nikko Bus to Misasa Onsen, then about 20 minutes by local bus to Mitokusan.